10-Step Website Checkup
People always want to know how to show up on the first page of Google. But often, their website isn’t ready for prime time.
A poor-quality website will never show up on the first page of Google. And even if people do discover your website, they won’t trust it enough to give your business a chance.
Here is a quick 10-step checkup you can use for your website. Go through this list, and make any improvements necessary before you start thinking about your own Google search rankings. Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase a paid product or service.
1. Is your website built on a secure platform?
First, look at the URL of your website. If it begins with “https” instead of just “http,” your site has an added layer of security called SSL certification.
You can also check for SSL certification by looking for a lock icon in the address bar.
Finally, double-check that any forms or payment portals on your site have secure processing. Look for secure processing language, like “https” and “secure transaction,” anywhere personal information might be exchanged on your website.
If you don’t have a website yet, and you’re not sure where to start, I recommend Wix. They have a free version which is great for people just getting started. If you want more flexibility, you can upgrade to a paid version. If you use Wix, you’ll know your website is secure and mobile responsive.
2. Is your website mobile responsive?
It’s crucial to have a secure and responsive website that users on any device can easily access. Luckily, you can do a few simple tests to check your website’s mobile responsiveness.
First, try resizing your browser window on a desktop computer to mimic the dimensions of a phone or tablet screen. Does the layout adjust accordingly, or does it become distorted?
Next, try accessing your website from a mobile device. Is it easy to navigate and access all the pages effectively?
3. Do all your links work?
Having broken links on your website can not only frustrate visitors, but it can also negatively impact your search engine rankings. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to ensure that all of your links are functioning correctly.
One option is to manually check each link on every page of your website.
Another option is to use Google Search Console, which allows you to run a report on any broken links or errors on your site.
4. Do you have an email signup form on your website?
Your ideal customer may visit your website, but how do you keep in touch with them after they leave?
Every business needs to use an email marketing service such as Constant Contact. That will allow you to have a link, signup box, or even a pop-up on your website that helps you collect the email addresses of your website visitors. If you aren’t already doing that, you are missing business opportunities.
I used to work for Constant Contact, and I still partner with them. You can try Constant Contact for free using my partner link. (Just so you know, if you end up buying a Constant Contact account through my link, I’ll get a small commission, but you don’t have to pay anything extra if you use my link.)
5. Is your telephone number clickable?
People are constantly on their mobile devices. They’re browsing websites, checking emails, and even making phone calls. That’s why it’s essential to ensure that your telephone number is a clickable link on your website.
That way, potential customers can easily click on the link and call you directly from their mobile devices. It saves them the trouble of having to manually type in your number or look for a separate piece of paper to write on. Plus, clickable links make it easier for people to save your number in their contacts for future reference. So make sure to add a clickable telephone number to your website – it’ll make things more convenient for you and your customers.
6. Do you have a clear call to action on every page of your website?
You may have an excellent website with all the bells and whistles, but if you don’t have a clear call to action (CTA) on each page, you could miss out on potential business.
Whether telling visitors to buy your product, sign up for your newsletter, or schedule a consultation, a CTA gives them a specific action to take and makes it easy for them to do so. Without one, they may browse your website without taking action. Plus, having multiple CTA’s on different pages allows for targeted messaging and caters to different customer needs.
7. Do you have your full street address on your website?
If people visit your business in person, be sure your full address is on your website–including the zip or postal code. Maps, location-based search engines, and social media platforms all use addresses to provide information to potential customers.
Including your address allows them to easily find your location, whether they want to visit in person or get a general idea of where you’re located. In addition, a complete address adds credibility to your website and establishes trust with customers who may be unfamiliar with your business. If you are home-based, you can skip this part.
8. Do you use plain language?
When it comes to your website, plain language is a must. Technical and complicated jargon can overwhelm readers, making them less likely to explore your content or take action.
Instead, use language that is easy to understand. It may take some extra effort, but the result will be a more user-friendly experience for your visitors.
Plus, plain language can also help improve SEO and make your website more findable in search engines.
9. Is your content customer-focused?
When creating website content, it’s easy to focus on yourself and your accomplishments. The most successful content focuses on solving problems and answering questions for your audience.
This means understanding their pain points and demonstrating how you can help them overcome those challenges. By shifting your mindset to solve problems and add value for others, you can attract potential clients and customers who are genuinely interested in what you have to offer.
10. Do you give people a reason to come back?
One of the biggest mistakes people make is creating a website that’s nothing more than an online brochure. After someone looks at the website once, there’s no reason to look at it again.
Come up with new content regularly. If that seems too time-consuming, subscribe to a tool that provides new content for you.
You can even have something as simple as a quiz or calculator on your website that can encourage people to come back.
And, if you have collected people’s email addresses through Constant Contact or another email marketing tool, you can email people to let them know about your new content.
How did you do?
Hopefully, this list inspired you to take a fresh look at your website. You may find that making a few changes gives you dramatically better results. Have any questions about this? Just let me know.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase a paid product or service. These are items I’ve personally used and stand behind. This site is not intended to provide financial advice and is for entertainment only.
